Earlier today, Thursday 12th September 2024, the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE) in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) launched the Ajira Sawa Programme at Johari Rotana Hotel, Dar es Salaam.
The Chief Guest at the launch was the Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women & Special Groups, Hon. Dr. Dorothy Gwajima (MP). In her speech, she appreciated that the programme has come at the right time and aligns with government efforts to address gender gaps and promote women’s economic empowerment. The Minister added that the programme will accelerate the inclusion of more women in the private sector and increase women’s access to productive resources.
ATE CEO Ms. Suzanne Ndomba-Doran in her remarks said that the partnership and commitment to advancing gender equality in the private sector is commendable and crucial in fostering sustainable growth and innovations across various sectors. She also highlighted the Female Future Programme, as one of the initiatives in advancing women in leadership positions at workplaces.
The IFC Country Manager for Tanzania, Martine Valcin said that the strong commitment of the public and private sector partners in Tanzania will help ensure success of the programme by delivering tangible results to women in businesses and supporting wider social and economic development.
The Ajira Sawa Programme has already partnered with 20 committed large Tanzanian companies to help implement action plans to reduce gender gaps in leadership, employment and entrepreneurship. The Programme will promote best practices in recruiting, retaining and promoting women and advance women entrepreneurs’ access to finance and markets in corporate supply chains.
A panel discussion on Private Sector’s Role in Unlocking Equal Opportunities for Women and Men was discussed by representatives from BOT, NMB Bank, Said Salim Bakhresa & Co. Ltd, GGML and IFC.
Other speakers at the event were the IFC Regional Director for Eastern & Southern Africa – Mary Porter Peschka, Head of Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada – Carol Mundle, Gender Lead IFC Tanzania – Anna Mushi and IFC Regional Manager – Paula Leynes Felipe.
